Session 9.3
TACKLING A STATEMENT
Introduction
When we as human beings have conversations
we use words to express our opinions and points of
view. We try to describe reality and present facts
with these words. However, words also reveal our attitudes.
Words do not just convey facts, but also our values
and opinions. Words can be charged with emotions.
This four corners activity, can stimulate discussion
on specific issues.
Materials
• Open space so that people
can move freely around the room.
• Four signs on each of
the four corners of the room, indicating four positions:
+ + = strongly agree
+ = agree
x = disagree
x x = strongly disagree
• Flipchart and papers
• Markers and Tape
Time
45 minutes
Group size
15 - 30 people
Process
Everyone stands in the middle of
the room while a statement is presented, for instance
about Racism. It could be helpful to have the statements
written up on a flipchart or board. The statements
should be carefully designed to draw out a wide spectrum
of responses, probably six is enough in a session.
These statements should not be questions, for
example;
• Everybody has prejudices
• Europe is multi-cultural
• National culture and
international culture must be learned at the same
time
• It is not enough to be
curious about other cultures
People are asked to think about the statement for
a minute and than to choose the corner which represents
their response to the statement. Nobody should stand
in the middle or hover between positions. They must
make a decision. Once in a corner, people should pair
up with someone in their own corner to discuss the
statement. (3 minutes). Then they enter discussion
with someone from an opposite corner. They should
then finish by going to the corner that reflects their
view on the subject now. This may or may not have
changed.
Conclusion
This peer learning activity can
be applied to a wide range of controversial statements
and can be used with people of different ages. It
is possible when people are back in their corner,
then to ask one representative from each corner to
explain briefly their choice to the others. Further
discussion at this point is also possible.
A useful variation of the technique
described above can be found in "Where
do you stand" in Compass.
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